Remote work has not only shifted where people choose to live but also sparked measurable growth in entrepreneurship, particularly in the rise of microbusinesses. Data from GoDaddy’s research arm, Venture Forward, shows that new residents are more likely to start businesses than long-term locals, with entrepreneurship rates increasing as the distance of relocation grows. For example, a 1% increase in residents who moved from a different country corresponds to a rise of 0.42 microbusinesses per 100 people, a significant jump compared to domestic movers. This trend suggests that relocation decisions are shaping local economies in ways that extend far beyond consumer spending.
Counties with the highest rates of recent in-migration have microbusiness densities more than double those of counties with minimal newcomer activity. In 2023, large counties with the most new arrivals averaged a microbusiness density of 19.1 per 100 residents, compared to just 8.2 in counties with the fewest. For entrepreneurs, this highlights a valuable insight: communities attracting remote workers may offer fertile ground for launching and scaling ventures. These “lands of opportunity” are not just seeing population growth, they are actively fostering new business ecosystems. Entrepreneurs seeking to position themselves in high-growth areas may find strategic advantages in targeting regions with strong in-migration trends, as these areas are proving to be hotspots for entrepreneurial activity.
